2017 Subaru Outback electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 11, 2026UTElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

   Ignition key not releasing after turning engine off. Put shifter in park, foot on brakeii, turn Ignition key off. Key will not release. Have to cycle multiple times to get key released.

   NHTSA complaint #11737057 · source
2. Filed Apr 7, 2026ORElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I think recall work was not done, but says it was done (or is not open). Does it say when and where recall work was done? This car has a parasitic battery drain, 3 batteries in 3 years, required 2 jump starts, 1 call to AAA. There is a recall for such an issue, but I do not believe it was fixed and done. It showed NO open recalls, and just last week I had brake work for a recall done.

   NHTSA complaint #11729625 · source
3. Filed Jan 5, 2026UTElectrical System

   If the car engine does not run for more than 4-5 days, the battery is drained completely dead and the car needs to be jump started to get the engine to run and have the alternator recharge the battery. Ongoing issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11708730 · source
4. Filed Oct 8, 2025CAElectrical System

   Since purchasing this Subaru in 2017 there has been multiple incidents where the car battery drains overnight. Causing the car not to start due to a dead battery.

   NHTSA complaint #11692082 · source
5. Filed Aug 19, 2025UTElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Subaru was not willing to cover the cost to replace their faulty gear shifter. My key gets stuck in the ignition. This problem has been confirmed by a dealership. No warnings happen, it gets stuck. This is a safety issue because I have to leave my keys in my car (unlocked) and come back for them when the car decides to recognize that it is in park. This is a know issue and Subaru wiped its hands of me and said deal with it by yourself.

   NHTSA complaint #11681710 · source
6. Filed May 17, 2025CAElectrical System

   I'm the original owner, purchased May 2017, and have had to replace the battery five times. Online research indicates that the root cause is phantom draining caused by the DCM apparently searching for a no longer existent 3G signal. Subaru has not addressed the issue directly and has instead issued a technical service bulletin to AAA affiliates to advise their customers to go to dealerships for larger batteries, group 47, with higher cold cranking amps which will also…

   NHTSA complaint #11661627 · source
7. Filed Mar 19, 2025CAElectrical System

   Repeatedly DEAD BATTERY Caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty DCM fuse, and an alternator programmed from the factory to NOT fully charge the battery.

   NHTSA complaint #11649288 · source
8. Filed Jan 8, 2025OKFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   I drive 2.5miles to work, Tuesday [XXX], I was turning into the parking lot and my car just cut off. I couldn't use flashers, restart it, put it in park or anything else. I called my husband to come help. I thought maybe the battery cable might have come loose. It was dead. I couldn't get out, if I let my foot off the brake it would roll backwards, going into the road and I didn't want it to hurt anyone. It started smoking from the drivers front side of engine. I called my…

   NHTSA complaint #11634973 · source
9. Filed Dec 22, 2024MOCrashElectrical System

   This has been a constant problem with this car. The battery is dead within 3 days. Has a constant battery drain. Subaru service can’t find it. Big safety problem in cold weather. Car leaves wife stranded. The problem is clearly evident on the web blogs.

   NHTSA complaint #11632018 · source
10. Filed Dec 16, 2024WAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    My battery continues to die leaving me stranded every winter for the past several years. It is a known issue I believe with the wiring/ fuse for the trunk hatch door. Subaru only offers a new battery - so every year I replace the battery and then end up stranded somewhere again.

    NHTSA complaint #11630958 · source
11. Filed Oct 17, 2024NMElectrical System

    Battery drain kept on happening. The nth time after buying 2 batteries and getting battery recharge 2x, Subaru sent me a letter of notice of possible problems with car keeps on finding radio or gps signal thus drains the battery. Brought car to Subaru then they changed the signal unit and gave me a new battery as well.

    NHTSA complaint #11620499 · source
12. Filed Oct 15, 2024MAElectrical System

    DCM Parasitic Drain Lawsuit for 2016-2019 Subaru Battery consistently drains to where my vehicle will not start. Dealer has replaced the battery twice (2018 & 2019) I replace the battery in 2022 and will need to so it again soon. Vehicle will not start after sitting for more that 7 days. I've been stranded at night on dark roads. I just came across the link below on a Subaru Forum where others have complained about the the same issue. and this seems to be what is going on…

    NHTSA complaint #11620006 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology